Evaluation of Children Admitted to a Tertiary Hospital in Terms of Malnutrition

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. Many families around the world are unable to obtain or have access to nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, meat, and milk. This study aims to evaluate malnutrition in cases admitted to and/or hospitalized in our outpatient clinic.
METHODS: The goal of our study was to evaluate patients aged 0-18 years for malnutrition who were followed up at the University of Health Sciences, Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital Department of Pediatrics, between January 1, 2018, and December 1, 2020.
RESULTS: Among the cases who presented to the University of Health Sciences, Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, between January 1, 2018, and December 1, 2020, 2495 cases were diagnosed with malnutrition. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 6.5±0.2 years. Of the cases, 1475 were male (59%), and 1020 were female (41%), and enteral product was started in 62% of the cases. Patients diagnosed with malnutrition during this period in our outpatient clinic constitute approximately 2% of all outpatients. Inpatient malnourished cases constitute approximately 1% of hospitalized patients during this period.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is known that the immigrant population (Syrian and other ethnic groups) is high in our region and early marriages are common. Birth intervals are usually 1 year and extended family size is common. The education level of mothers is generally at the primary school level and the socioeconomic status of the families is low. Mothers have insufficient knowledge and experience about breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Most families do not have health insurance. It is thought that malnutrition develops due to these reasons.